How To Install A Dual Exhaust System

Every Mustang rear framerail is stamped for tailpipe brackets and hangers. Two holes just ahead of the shackles on each side are designed for tailpipe hangers. Don't use the tie-down brackets.

Virginia Classic Mustang provides the tailpipe-hanger hardware shown here. All it takes are the two provided stovebolts and a 9/16-inch wrench.

Positioning of the muffler hanger is a matter of personal preference. Because we wanted our mufflers close into the floorpan pockets, we hung them high. The tailpipes are bent for mufflers hung lower in the factory positioning. If you hang the mufflers high, tailpipe fitment becomes a challenge because the angle changes. We needed to have our tailpipes tweaked at a muffler shop for proper fit.

Because we took the high road for muffler positioning, we drilled the floorpan as shown. To have perfect fitment out of the box, drill the holes 1 1/2 to 2 inches lower than shown here. If you want higher positioning, take your Mustang to a muffler shop for minor pipe bending.

This is the Ford-style factory muffler-hanger stud bracket that fits through the floorpan. Ford originally used reinforcement, a sandwich to make the floorpan thicker.

You could also custom-make a reinforcement plate. These brackets attach with a self-tapping screw.

If you follow factory muffler positioning, tailpipes are a bolt-on. All you have to do is roll the pipe left and right to get positioning exact. How far you sink the tailpipes into the mufflers also determines positioning.

There's a lot of debate about how to position exhaust system clamps. It depends on personal preference, and whether or not you can get a wrench on the clamps. We like them located where the studs don't injure anyone and are out of the slipstream.

Imagine tailpipes that don't move and rattle. This comes from factory tailpipe hangers anchored at the framerails, which Virginia Classic Mustang provides. Aim the brackets toward the front of the vehicle and tighten the self-tapping screws. These brackets adjust up and down for proper tailpipe positioning. You can also shim the brackets left and right.

This is how a tailpipe positions at the bracket. You can adjust the pipe right, left, up, and down to square it with your valance.

Before tightening the tailpipes, make sure they clear the floorpan by at least 1 inch.

Note our tailpipe is pointed down due to muffler positioning. This will mandate a trip to the muffler shop for minor pipe tweaking.